Dec 11,2024
Ulster's Aaron Sexton will have Jamaica's Olympic discus champion Roje Stona for company as 14 athletes will battle it out to make the NFL’s 2025 International Player Pathway Program (IPP).
The 24-year-old back has not been used by Ulster this season and on Monday it was confirmed he will look for a fresh start in the United States in the new year.
He now follows in the footsteps of Monaghan’s Rory Beggan and Wicklow’s Mark Jackson who took part in the programme earlier this year, while Down’s Charlie Smyth was signed to the New Orleans Saints roster.
The IPP looks to identify global talent, with the aim of providing elite athletes the opportunity to develop their skills in American Football.
Australia centre Jordan Petaia said last week he is stepping away from rugby union to pursue an NFL deal via the IPP, while Stona brings further sporting calibre after winning discus gold at the Paris Games with a throw of 70 metres.
The 25-year-old was invited to rookie minicamps by the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints in May.
The former University of Arkansas track and field athlete did not play American football competitively at college and the 25-year-old knows making the transition to the sport will not be easy.
"I understand the work it's going to take," he told the BBC.
"I've done my research. I think a lot can happen in those eight to 10 weeks. I believe there's great coaches who can teach me a lot.
"The goal was to become the best in the world (at discus throw) and that came in a great time. So after finishing college and thinking back on the year, that's when I decided I'd pursue my interest in football."
The 14 athletes from Ireland, Fiji, France, Germany, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe will go on a 10-week training camp in Florida in January before trying to impress NFL scouts in March.
Since its launch in 2017, 41 athletes from around the world have joined NFL teams through the programme. Six players, including Australia's Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles, are currently active on NFL rosters.
